Exchange 2013 Offers Better Efficiency, Availability

Redesigned core components delivered in Exchange Server 2013 boost the efficiency, availability, and resiliency of the messaging product, especially for large and dispersed deployments. The updates could also cut the costs of and simplify those deployments by allowing the use of less-expensive hardware and automating processes that maintain availability, reducing required administrator intervention. The improvements are mostly driven by Microsoft’s experience and requirements hosting the large-scale deployment of Exchange Online, which could also imply the software has been tested in rigorous environments. However, the improvements may not justify an upgrade for small to midsize on-premises Exchange deployments.

Architecture Could Reduce Costs, Aid Future Compatibility

Microsoft hosts millions of users on Exchange Online (available as part of the Office 365 service or separately), which has been offered in various forms for nearly seven years. The architecture of Exchange 2013 is heavily influenced by the needs of the corresponding hosted service. The company now uses the same code base for Exchange Online and the on-premises product, whereas previously the two were separate, and changes made to one didn’t necessarily make it to the other. Deployment, scalability, availability, and multitenancy aspects of Exchange are critical in a hosted data-center environment, and third-party hosters and on-premises customers may benefit from enhancements for Exchange Online that Microsoft has incorporated into Exchange 2013.